Ms. Misdom

End of Year Instructions

From the Clinic…

Please remember that we dispose of all medications left in the clinic at the end of the school year.  Information and medications cannot be saved until next year.  Clinic hours are 9:15am to 4:15pm, closed 11:45-12:15, if you wish to pick up extra medications and/or plans for next year. 

If your student has medical needs like asthma, severe allergies, seizures, diabetes, other conditions requiring care at school, the appropriate care plans can be completed before school begins in August.   It is always best to be prepared if your student might require medical treatment at school!  Students are allowed to carry emergency medications (inhalers, insulin, and Epi-pens) with special permission.  The form is available in the clinic and it requires a doctor’s signature.  All forms and plans are available on the

Cobb

County

School District

website under Student Health Services, too.  Please call 770-578-2710 ext. 256 if you have questions or concerns.

Have a safe and healthy summer break!

New Year's Resolution Ideas from the CDC

Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others by following these holiday tips. Sing along to these tips in The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song @ http://cdc.gov/family/holiday/12ways.exe

1. 1.Wash hands often to keep yourself from spreading germs and getting sick.

2. Bundle up and stay dry to keep warm.

3. Manage stress. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending.

4. Don't drink and drive. Don't let anyone else drink and drive.

5. Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.

6. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to the child's height, weight, and age.

7. Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams and tests you need to help find diseases and conditions early or before they start.

8. Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives.

9. Monitor the children. Keep dangerous toys, food, and household items out of their reach. Make sure toys are used properly.

10. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended.

11. Prepare food safely. Remember four simple steps: wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerate promptly.

12. Eat healthy, and get moving. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat and sugar. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most, preferably all, days of the week.

Halloween Reminders

Halloween Safety Tips Halloween is only five days away and to ensure your kids safety this holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has put together these tips: All Dressed Up: Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. Carving a Niche: Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. Home Safe Home: To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations. Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. On the Trick-or-Treat Trail: A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. These are just a few of the tips that AAP offers. Please visit http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/octhalloween.htm for the entire list.

Baby Carrot Recall from FDA

This release was revised on August 23, 2007 to include areas of distribution.

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Los Angeles Salad Company Voluntarily Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
John Shaughnessy
626-322-9017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Industry, CA -- August 22, 2007 -- Los Angeles Salad Company, located in City of Industry, CA is recalling its "Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 16, 2007 printed on the back of the packages because the product may be contaminated with the bacteria Shigella. Shigella infection can cause diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, nausea and vomiting. Illness usually lasts from 4 to 14 days. In some persons, especially the very young, the very old and people with compromised immune systems, the diarrhea can be more severe. Infection can occur after eating and drinking food and water that is contaminated with Shigella and can be passed from person to person.

The product was sold in packages with two labels. One is labeled "Los Angeles Salad Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by Kroger Co. King Sooper, in Colorado, Kroger Co. Ralphs in California; Publix in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida. All of these packages were sold in flexible plastic bags in 7 and 8 oz. size with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 16, 2007. The second label was "Trader Joe's Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" distributed by Trader Joe's in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Washington in 7 oz. flexible plastic bags with a Sell By Date Code up to and including August 8, 2007.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the same product sold in Canada was contaminated with Shigella. There were four reported incidences of illness in Canada from August 4-6, 2007. No one was hospitalized and all persons affected have fully recovered. An ongoing investigation is being conducted to find the cause of the problem, but at this time the source has not been determined.

This is precautionary notice. Consumers who have purchased Los Angeles Salad Company's "Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Los Angeles Salads at (1-626-322-9017).

####

Los Angeles Salad Company Voluntarily Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk
Photo Available at:

www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/lasalad08

Wildfire Smoke Health Threats and Prevention

FACT

SHEET                  

Wildfires

Health Threat from Wildfire Smoke

The Southeast Health District and your local health department ask residents to take necessary precautions to avoid health problems related to the smoky conditions caused by the current wildfires.

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

How to tell if smoke is affecting you 

Smoke can cause:

• Coughing
• A scratchy throat
• Irritated sinuses
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Stinging eyes
• A runny nose

If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse.

People who have heart disease might experience:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:

• Inability to breathe normally
• Cough with or without mucus
• Chest discomfort
• Wheezing and shortness of breath

When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.

Know whether you are at risk

Those at risk include:

• If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, emphysema, or asthma, you are at higher risk of having health problems than healthy people.
• Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people.
• Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.

Protect yourself

 

• Stay inside with windows and doors shut.
• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
• If you do not have an air conditioner and if it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.
• Avoid cooking and vacuuming, which can increase pollutants indoors.
• Avoid physical exertion.
• Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan.
• Keep at least a five-day supply of medication on hand.
• Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. This is important not only for people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been previously diagnosed with such illnesses. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of such diseases.
• Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness.

End of Year Reminders

Please remember that all medications left in the clinic at the end of the school year will be discarded.  We cannot save it until next year.  Clinic hours are 9:30am to 4:00pm if you wish to pick up any extra medications.

If your student has medical needs like asthma, severe allergies, seizures, diabetes, or any other conditions requiring care at school, please stop by the clinic for the appropriate plan and/or forms.  Many reports require the signature of your student’s healthcare provider and can be completed during the summer months.  You can also find the information on the

Cobb

County

School District website, under Student Health Services. It is always best to be prepared if he or she might require medical treatment at school! 

Students are allowed to carry emergency medications (inhalers, insulin, and Epi-pens) with special permission.  A doctor’s signature is necessary for this authorization. 

Run, play, swim, read, wear sunscreen, a helmet and be careful!  Have a fun and SAFE summer vacation! 

Hot Tips for Heat Stress

Hot Tips for Heat Stress

Heat Stress occurs when high temperatures and humidity become trapped in your child’s body.  Children are more at risk for heat related illnesses because they sweat less than adults.  Sweating is one of the body’s main ways to get rid of heat.  Children also may not know when to rest, especially when they are having fun and playing sports.  This makes it easy for them to become over-heated.  Children who have no pre-existing health conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or heart conditions, are more at risk to develop heat stress.

Heat stress is a serious, potentially fatal condition.  Possible early symptoms of heat stress include:

·        Flushed face

·        Leg cramps

·        Feeling of weakness or nausea.

Possible later symptoms include:

·        Fever or heavy sweating

·        Anxiety

·        Pale, clammy skin

Severe symptoms include:

·        Confusion or hysterical behavior

·        Absence of sweating

·        Loss of consciousness

Prevention is the best treatment for heat related illnesses.

The following are tips for preventing heat stress during periods of intense heat and humidity:

§         Provide plenty of clear, tepid fluids; encourage drinking at regular intervals.  Do not rely solely on the child’s thirst to determine the need to drink.

§         Avoid being outside during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm or seek shade.

§         Insist that children rest and cool down frequently

§         Watch for early signs of heat stress and start cooling the child right away.

§         Use sun hats or umbrellas for shade

§         Do not give salt tablets because they slow down the absorption of water

§         Allow the child to become conditioned to heat by gradually extending length of time exposed.

You should call the doctor for any signs of heat exhaustion and if muscle cramps are not relieved with treatment.  Call 911 right away if the child shows any signs of heat stroke.

Types of heat stress:

ü      Heat cramps—most common and least serious.  They are spasms in the muscle that result from a salt imbalance cause by strenuous exercise in hot humid conditions. Cramping usually occurs in the arms, legs or abdomen.  Overexertion of muscles or inadequate warm-up before exercise can also cause heat cramps.  Symptoms can include painful cramps, flushed face, nausea, weakness, and possibly a fever of 98.6-101degrees F. 

Treatment of heat cramps:

ü      Slowly stretch the cramping muscle and follow by gentle massage if the cramping persists.  Overly hard or deep massage can cause pain and damage the muscle.

ü      Give the child a diluted sports drink

ü      Move the child to an air conditioned or fanned area

ü      Undress the child or wet down clothing

ü      Make sure the child rests at least two days after an episode of multiple cramps.

¨      Heat exhaustion—an illness that results from excessive exposure to heat and or physical activity.  Symptoms can include a fever greater than 102 degrees F; flu-like symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; strong thirst; heavy sweating; excessive worry; cool, pale and clammy skin.

Treatment of heat exhaustion:

ü      Give the child a cooling drink diluted Gatorade or other sports drink, cool water

ü      Move the child to an air conditioned or fanned area.

ü      Undress the child and wet down the skin

ü      Call your child’s doctor if the child does not seem back to normal with a few minutes

·        Heat stroke  --can be a life-threatening emergency.  The trapped heat can cause injury to kidneys, liver, heart and brain and sometimes can even cause death.  Symptoms can include:

·        a fever greater than 106 degrees F

·        confusion

·        agitation

·        no sweating

·        hysterical behavior

·        possible coma

Treatment of heat stroke:

ü      Call 911

ü      Have the child drink a cooling drink if conscious

ü      Undress the child and wet down the skin (pack in ice if available)

This general healthcare information should not be used as a substitute or in place of contacting your child’s healthcare provider.  If you need further assistance, call 404. 250.kids to speak to a pediatric nurse.   For more information check out the website for Children Healthcare of

Atlanta

at choa.org and click on medical library.

                Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta                   www.choa.org                                  404-250-kids

Meningitis Vaccine available

March 19, 2007

Dear Parent,

We have an abundant supply of state supplied Menactra at this time and would like to offer it to anyone 11-19 years of age until this supply is depleted on or before May 8, 2007, whichever comes first. This vaccine normally cost $102.00 for persons with health insurance and was in short supply last summer when children entering college tried to get it. For state supplied vaccine there is a $14.00 sliding scale administration fee.

After this supply is exhausted, we will return to the recommended ages and normal eligibility for state supplied vaccine. Menactra is normally recommended for children 11-12 years of age, high school freshmen (14-15 years of age) and college freshmen living in dorms. Children eligible for state supplied vaccine are children on Medicaid, children with no health insurance, or with insurance that does not cover vaccines, American Indians or Alaskan natives.

The Marietta Public Health Center, 1650 County Services Parkway, Marietta, GA 30008 is open Monday- Friday and provides immunizations on a walk in basis 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. If you plan on taking your child to another health center, please call them directly for the hours that immunizations are provided. Other centers are listed below.

Acworth

Public

Health

Center

      

East

Cobb

Public

Health

Center

Smyrna

Public

Health

Center

4489 Acworth Industrial Drive         

4938 Lower Roswell Road

               

3830 South Cobb Drive Suite 200

Acworth

,

GA

30101

                        

Marietta

,

GA

30068

                         

Smyrna

,

GA

30080

Phone: (770) 974-3330                   Phone: (678) 784-2180                  Phone: (770) 438-5105

South

Cobb

Public

Health

Center

         

Douglasville

Public

Health

Center

875 Six Flags Drive                                  6770 Selman Drive

Austell

,

GA

30168

                                    

Douglasville

,

GA

30134

Phone: (678) 385-1360                            Phone: (770) 949-1970

If you have questions call Karen Dibling (770) 514-2349, or Christi Florence (770) 514-2807.

New Medical Evaluation Report

Cobb County School District has released a new medical information report.  It is intended to provide our school with medical information to determine medical eligibility for educational accomodations, nutritional accomodations, and/or nursing services necessary at school.  Form JLC-8 can be found on the CCDS website and requires a Medical Doctor's signature.  Check it out below, too.  This is a great way to let us know about your student's medical needs. 

Download form_jlc8_medical_evaluation_reportpost_copy_3107_.doc

How do you know if your student is too sick for school?

Click below for Cobb County guidelines.

Download is_my_student_well_enough_to_go_to_school.doc